CHECK IT OUT: Steve Bernier sends the Jets’ Ron Hainsey into the boards during the Devils’ 3-2 shootout victory last night in Newark. Photo: Getty Images

Going into last night’s game against the Jets, the Devils knew a regulation loss would leave them on the outside of the playoff picture for the first time this season. But a 3-2 shootout triumph at Prudential Center kept the Devils among the top eight in the Eastern Conference and gave them some confidence moving forward, having won two of three games after losing six straight.

“We talked about it and we tried to not get too far ahead of ourselves and just focus on one game and kind of forget about what happened before,” said Johan Hedberg, who had 23 saves last night. “We knew about that.”

The Jets had beaten the Devils twice already this season and a regulation win would have vaulted them ahead of coach Pete DeBoer’s team in the standings.

But the Devils came out firing, scoring the opening goal — for the first time in 10 games — and getting an early two-goal lead on goals by Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta. The Jets then responded with goals by Mark Stuart and Evander Kane.

“It feels like a month since we’ve had the first goal in the game and we deserved it,” DeBoer said. “I think it definitely relieved some pressure and gave us an opportunity to get going and get the second one.”

Patrik Elias scored the only goal in the shootout, after netting the game-winner in Thursday’s 3-2 shootout win over the Sabres. Elias said despite blowing a 2-0 lead, there was no panic in the locker room following the second period.

“Nobody was negative here. Just kind of took a positive attitude,” Elias said. “It’s tough in this run when you don’t find yourself on the winning end a lot of nights, but with the short season and a lot of games, you’ve got to find something positive.”

Hedberg stopped all three shooters he faced to seal the win.

“In the shootout, nothing,” Hedberg said about his nerves. “I see it as a huge chance to win the game and I just see it as a positive.”

“It’s big. I need a little few bounces here and there and put some good games together, put some wins together to really get back on track here.”

Despite getting pulled in two of the past three games, Hedberg got the start. He had allowed five goals on 18 shots in Saturday’s 6-3 loss to the Hurricanes, when DeBoer pulled him after the second period, noting he wanted to keep him fresh for last night. It worked, as Hedberg looked sharp against the Jets.

“That’s a big one for sure. Everybody was all banged up and tired but we found a way to win,” Ilya Kovalchuk said. “It’s great that [Hedberg] had a hell of a game. He deserved it. He just played unbelievable.”

After a brutal stretch that had them play seven games in 11 days, the Devils have two games in the next five days — both against the division rival Flyers.

“Every game is very important,” Kovalchuk said. “There’s 20-something games left and every one of them is huge. Now we got Philly [in] back-to-back games, so it will be very important.”